Tees, where arrangements had been made The visit to Newcastle was of a more for a series of services, including two private kind, and was intended to aid Sundays and three week-evenings. The the Percy Street Society in their effort services on Sunday, the 7th December, to support their minister, and provide were well attended, the Society's roon for the sale of their church and the erecbeing comfortably filled both in the tion of another in a better locality. afternoon and in the evening - Mr. Missionary lectures are also in progress Smith, the leader, having taken the at Mile End Road, London, Doncaster, morning service, when he delivered an and Keighley. Of these services we hope excellent discourse. On Monday even- to give a fuller notice in our next ing a tea meeting was held in the hall of number. the working men's club. Nearly one hundred and fifty sat down to tea, after NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The College which I delivered a lecture on Emanuel School has opened with an increase of Swedenborg his life and writings.' The pupils, the present number being thirtymayor, Edward Williams, Esq., pre- three. Mr. Fairweather, the only stusided. About the same number were present at the lecture as at the tea, and marked attention was given to the subject. A brief but favourable account of this meeting appeared in the Middlesboro' Exchange. The attendance at the lectures on Wednesday and Friday evenings was not large; several questions however, were elicited, and several observations were made on both occasions, by the chairmen and others, of a very encouraging nature. Our friends at Middlesboro' have for some months past had a book-stall in the market-place on the market day, from which they have sold a large number of Looks; and this proceeding appears to have considerably increased the attendance at their place of worship on the Sunday evenings. They have also prudently, on the occasion of public lectures, invited gentlemen of good social position in the town to occupy the chair: the effect of this proceeding has been very satisfactory. The attendance on the second Sabbath was equal to that on the first, and several thoughtful persons, of good position, are gradually attaching themselves to the cause. This pleasing incident also was mentioned to me in connection with the book-stall: A gentleman, who had previously had a copy of the True Christian Religion,' obtained another for a friend, and ordered an entire copy of the Arcana Cœlestia.' It is proper to mention that the friends of the Society at Middlesboro' paid the whole of the local expenses of this missionary visit. dent in residence, is said to be working diligently, and to give promise of becoming a useful minister. The address of the Secretary, Mr. Bateman, is now 13 Canonbury Lane, N. SWEDENBORG READING SOCIETY.Thursday, 18th December 1871, Mr. Teed read a very interesting and suggestive paper on The Science of Correspondences in Relation to Manufactures and the Fine Arts." 6 "R. GUNTON." In addition to the services narrated above, Mr. Gunton has visited Darlington, Hartlepool, and Newcastle-on-Tyne. Interesting and apparently successful lectures were given at the former places. After defining the nature of corre spondence between spiritual and natural things, and showing how, according to Swedenborg, this was the relation of end, cause, and effect, he argued that the more we investigate the qualities and uses of things the more we should know their spiritual prototypes; and, vice versa, the more we know of any principles of the will and understanding, the more we shall perceive the verification of our ideas in the natural correspondent. The truths of natural science would thus be enlightened by the perception of their spiritual causes, and the knowledge of spiritual things would make clearer our conclusions of natural effects. As all affinities in nature-all forms of natural use, and all beauties and delights that appeal to any of the senses, have their spiritual prototype, the study of correspondences would increase our perception of the fitness and true harmony of natural things in music and the fine arts, and the true uses and advantages of the ordinary things of con struction and use in the machinery and appliances of every-day life. These points were illustrated by many examples, and by numerous quotations from Swedenborg's statements and reasonings on the subject. The paper for the 15th January 1874 will be by Mr. Waddington, on the Correspondence of the Eye. J. B. KEENE, Hon. Sec. CLAYTON-LE-MOORS.-We have received the following communication from the secretary of this Society : 66 they possess to the notice of their fellowmen. The readers of The Intellectual Repository are already aware that they intend building a new church and school-room. We are glad to inform our friends generally, that the schoolroom was so far completed as to admit of the annual tea and public meeting being held in it on Christmas-day. It was a time of real rejoicing amongst us, after having held our public meetings under ground for so many years, to come up higher." We trust that this is a sign we are about to enter into a higher and more extended sphere of usefulness. The school-room on the occasion was neatly decorated by our young friends with evergreens and pictures kindly lent by the members, giving an air of comfort and cheer to the meeting. The chair was taken by Mr. Ashby, who, in his opening speech, bid all a hearty welcome to the first public gathering of the kind held in the new room. He earnestly invited the younger branches of the Society to avail themselves of the advantages offered by the various institutions connected with the Church-advantages not only of learning and gaining information upon subjects of special value, but also of making themselves useful and helpful to others. Mr. Ward, who next spoke, observed that it was no slight benefit to have so noble a room as the one in which we were assembled, to hold our public meetings. Having long felt the want of such a room, we shall be in a better condition to value its advantages. He warmly supported the chairman's remarks to the young people, and sincerely hoped that they would strive to prepare themselves to take the places of their fathers. Mr. E. Austin, of South London, being present, in a very interesting speech gave an account of the progress of the Church in London, so far as it could be seen in externals, which was most encouraging to every sincere worker in the Lord's vineyard. The Rev. J. Hyde was the next speaker. He dwelt chiefly upon the necessity of there being an external organization of the New Church, in order to satisfy the deep longings of the human mind for sympathy of thought and feeling. He said, "Were I to live in a place where no New Church Society existed, I should be compelled by my strong desire for sympathy to endeavour to the utmost of my ability to make "It may not be uninteresting to your readers to hear what has been and is being done by this Society. Previous to February 1873, its pulpit was supplied by missionaries, but in that month it secured the services of Mr. Tansley, from the New Church College, London. He commenced work very earnestly, taking much interest in the Sunday School, and a Junior Members' Society and Elocution Class were inaugurated by his efforts. The first named society now numbers about fifty members. During the present session it has held six social meetings, and eight lectures on scientific subjects, to which the public have been invited by placard, have been delivered under its auspices. The theological class has also become much more useful. The "True Christian Religion' has been taken as a text book, and after a portion has been read by the minister, questions have been put and answered. This is thought to be a great means for building up the Church in the hearts of our young people, and we also hope that it will be beneficial in binding together the older members of the Society. A course of twelve Sunday evening lectures, upon doctrinal subjects, has just been concluded, which has roused a spirit of inquiry amongst the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. They have been listened to by large and attentive audiences; the number present at some of the lectures being upwards of two hundred. Several members of other denominations having expressed a desire to discuss some of the subjects with Mr Tansley, it was announced from the pulpit that any one who had questions to ask might do so at the theological class on Thursday evenings, but, to the surprise of many, no one ever put in an appearance. A second course of five will be commenced on Sunday, January 18th. The Society has done much good work during the past year, and it is expected that greater uses will be performed in the future." DERRY.-The friends of the New Church in this town are making special efforts to recommend the truths which one." Our esteemed and valued friend, Church, High Street, on the following Mrs. Roe, followed Mr. Hyde. She subjects: "Repentance and the Remisread a most interesting paper upon the sion of Sins; """The Creed of the New season of the year, referring to the Jerusalem Church;" "The Free-Will of memories awakened by the return of Man in Spiritual Things;" "What Christmas. The audience showed their think ye of Christ?" "The Scripture appreciation by the rapt attention Doctrine of Redemption;""The Golden given. Mr. Austin, sen., then gave us Rule." These lectures were pretty well an amusing speech, which he concluded attended, especially by strangers, for by wishing all present "A Merry Christ- whose benefit they were principally mas and a Happy New Year." The given. The writer has reason to believe meeting was much enlivened by the that a favourable impression has been charming songs and music which were made upon the minds of some who atgiven at intervals by our lady friends. tended. The following is copied from the Ipswich Times of Dec. 12: " Sunday evening last, the Rev. S. Jepson, late of Philadelphia, U. S., delivered at the New Jerusalem Church, High Street, the first of a course of lectures to be given every Sunday. The subject the rev. gentleman dwelt upon last Sunday was Repentance and the Remission of Sins.' The lecture was listened to by a very good congregation with marked attention." HULL.-We extract from a local paper the following notice of the retirement of our esteemed friend Mr. Best from the leadership of this Society, and the reception of Mr. Bastow, who has been appointed to that office:-"New Jerusalem Church.-A social meeting was held at the above church on New Year's Eve, at which the new pastor, the Rev. Mr. Bastow, was formally received and recognised. Appropriate and earnest introductory speeches were delivered by Messrs. Best and Needler, at the close of which Mr. Bastow made a feeling and eloquent speech, in which he narrated many incidents in connection with his previous eventful work and history, and gave an outline of the course he proposed to pursue in extending the operations and usefulness of the church. Mr. Bastow presented, on behalf of the members of the Society, a very handsome time-piece to Mr. Henry Best, who has been the leader of the New Church Society in Hull up to the present time, and who has, without any remuneration or reward, other than the pleasure of the work, preached regularly since the formamation of the church. In presenting the time-piece, Mr. Bastow spoke in flattering terms of the devotion of Mr. Best to the principles and interests of the church. Mr. Best, in a suitable speech, thanked the donors for their valuable gift, and said that the kindness, of which it was an indication, would incite him in the future to increased exertions on behalf of the cause in which he believed, and with which he was connected by the strongest ties of faith and affection. Other interesting and social proceedings concluded the meeting." IPSWICH. A course of six lectures was concluded, January 11th, by the Rev. S. Jepson, in the New Jerusalein J. On JERSEY.-During the past three years the New Church Society in Jersey has undergone considerable vicissitudes. When our late excellent and revered minister, Mr. Brown, ceased to be able to perform the services, public worship was conducted by two members of the Society appointed for that purpose. This arrangement, however, not being satisfactory, it was decided to obtain the services of a regular minister. The arrival of the minister was hailed by the return of some who had ceased to attend, and the constant attendance of others who had been but casual hearers; so affairs began to look prosperous. Soon, however, discontent began to spring up, and led to the departure of the minister, and a series of changes, which reduced the attendance at worship to a very small number. Since midsummer last a change has again taken place for the better. This shows itself in the more harmonious working together of members and friends, and the stronger disposition manifested by them to exert themselves pecuniarily and otherwise for the good of the cause. The result has been a very successful visit to the island by Mr. Joseph Deans, now minister of Brightlingsea. To this gentleman we all confess ourselves under great obligations for his able advocacy of the Truth. His lecture on "Shall we work in Heaven?" for instance, was quite a gem. Mr. Deans moreover, during his short stay, won golden opinions by his affability and conciliatory demeanour. In the midst of all its changes of fortune, the Society has ever been supported by one zealous and liberal friend, who has never failed to come forward in times of the greatest gloom and discouragement. I allude to Mr. Tho. de Faye, who has again given proof of his devotion to the cause we have at heart, by a donation to Conference of £750 Italian Stock, the proceeds to be hereafter applied towards the support of a minister for the Jersey Society. This kind act cannot fail to strengthen the Church greatly, and the reflection that such will be the case will, no doubt, be Mr. de Faye's exceeding great reward. H. W. C. LEICESTER.-For the benefit of the Society of the New Church in this important midland town, Mrs. Newbery of London kindly gave an elocutionary entertainment in the New Lecture Hall, Leicester, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 3rd. Her programme was one of a very varied character, but she was equal to the task, at one time her audience rejoicing in a hearty laugh, at another being moved to tears. In all the leading papers of the town the highest encomiums were lavished upon this lady as an elocutionist and delineator of charac ter. On Sunday, Dec. 28th, Mr. E. Austin, of London, paid a brief visit, and in the evening preached to an attentive congregation of forty persons from Exod. xxvii. 20. The meeting room, although centrally situated, is not in some respects suitable for public worship, and this circumstance militates against the external growth of the Society. LONDON-Argyle Square.-The Daily News gives the following report of the usual Christmas dinner given by this Society to the poor in the neighbour. hood of the Church :-"On Friday, the 2nd instant, the congregation of the New Christian Church (Swedenborgian), Argyle Square, King's Cross, welcomed in their schoolroom to a good Christmas dinner of roast beef, plum-pudding, tarts, &c., a large party of the poor children of the neighbourhood, with their mothers, numbering in all about one hundred and sixty. The ladies of the congregation officiated as waitresses; the minister (the Rev. J. Presland) presiding. After the dinner various games were on joyed, and a magic lantern was exhibited; the whole concluding with a distribution of oranges, and the gift to each visitor of a box filled with chocolate confectionary, generously provided by Messrs. Dunn and Hewitt, of Pentonville." From a correspondent we learn that the New Year's services were very gratifying. Over one hundred and twenty partook of the sacrament, and a very delightful spirit prevailed. The monthly manual circulated in the Society gives an extended list of services instituted to interest all classes, and to promote the prosperity of the Church. During the months of January, February, and March, Sabbath evening lectures are being given on important doctrinal subjects by the minister. Penny readings are arranged for the Wednesday evenings, and a recital by the children of the Sunday school for Thursday, the 22nd of January. An address on the entrance of the New Year was issued by the minister, and circulated among the members, seat-holders, and friends of the Church. This address recognises the trials of the past, and points to the lessons they are intended to teach. The members are exhorted to a regular attendance on the services of the Sabbath, and a lively interest in the general management and affairs of the Society. The interest manifested in the various efforts of use in progress in the Society is the best assurance of its continued prosperity. LONDON-Camden Road.-The very interesting ceremony of consecrating the new Church for this Society took place on the 1st of January, as previously arranged. The officiating ministers were the Rev. Professor Tafel, Rev. W. Bruce, and Rev. S. M. Warren. A special consecration service had been prepared and printed for the occasion, copies of which were supplied to all present, and the Church, which contains upwards of 400 sittings, was quite full. The service commenced at three o'clock, and occupied about two hours, including an appropriate and excellent discourse by Dr. Tafel, from the text, "Behold I make all things new." A hope has been expressed that Dr. Tafel will allow this discourse to appear in the pages of the Repository. The music for the occasion was also appropriate, and given with great effect by the choir. The anthem, composed by the organist expressly for the occasion, was taken from the first nine verses of the 132nd Psalm, with the addition of a chorus from the Revelation, "Alleluia! salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God." It ought also to be mentioned that the new organ for the Church proved to be a very fine and superior instrument. hood. They had a beautiful building inside and outside, and it had a good light, which should be a symbol of that light which was shed from it. The New Church was so different from any other church, that it would be an arduous work to bring its principles before the After the ceremony of consecration, people of the neighbourhood. But the members and friends proceeded to the New Church of the Lord was beginning large hall of the Athenæum, where tea to be heard, and there was a feeling exwas provided. After tea the company pressed on all hands that it had more returned to the Church, more leisurely hope and more love in it than it had to inspect it and to hear the performance hitherto received credit for." Dr. Bayley on the organ, until the commencement then gave an interesting account of a of the public meeting, which was held personal visit to the Catacombs of Rome, in the hall, Dr. Tafel presiding. The and their associations with the early Chairman commenced the proceedings Christians. They were not places of by remarking that they had that day seen the Cross Street New Church in a new dress. The New Church never grew old, nor did they desire it to grow old, and he hoped their Society would not only grow younger, but stronger and stronger. That afternoon they had witnessed the ceremony of the consecration of their new Church, and he trusted that in time they would fill it with disciples of the New Jerusalem, in every sense of the word, and also that they might be one of the mediums of spreading a knowledge of the principles of the new dispensation in the metropolis. He would introduce to them their friend Mr. Williams, whose name was on the corner-stone of their new Church, and would ever be associated with it. Mr. H. R. Williams said, "Members of the Cross Street Society had met that day to celebrate the opening of the new church in Camden Road, and it was a solace to them to see that there was no falling off in the Society. There could be no external church without an internal one. Their external church was a very beautiful one. They had great cause for thankfulness. He did not look for any great accession of numbers, but to their principles permeating all classes of society through the means of those who came there. He cordially congratulated them on the proceedings of that day. He had laid the foundation stone, as they had been told by their chairman, and he had seen the consecration of their church, and he hoped to see it filled." The Rev. Dr. Bayley, after heartily congratulating the Society on the way they had commenced the new year, said, "And now that their hopes were realized in relation to the building, let them make an impression on the neighbour burial to the Romans generally, only to those who lived in them. The inscriptions showed that the early Christians believed only in God as manifested in Jesus Christ, and every word to be found there indicates that to a Christian there is the consolation that death is but a transference to a life in which we think more of Jesus Christ. The Rev. J. Presland then addressed the meeting, and after referring to the proceedings of the day, said, “That all those who were there from Argyle Square wished them a blessed and happy long life. He entertained the most hopeful augury from the opening of the new church, because it supplied a want in that neighbourhood, and if they did not supply a want he had no hope for them. There were so many who wished to know their doctrines, that now they had their new church in the Camden Road he had no doubt of their success, and an increase of their numbers, for which he would pray. Doctrines and principles of some kind must exist to give life to religion, and the New Church, while it had increased vitality, provided clear and rational doctrines to explain new principles. The New Church provided doctrines which were so glorious and expansive in their nature, that they were a river to plunge into and swim in." Dr. Tafel here mentioned that the collection in the church amounted to £30, which was very gratifying, and it was also interesting to know that 330 friends had sat down to tea. Mr. Gunton said, "They might congratulate themselves on their beautiful church, and he was of opinion that the New Church as a body ought to put up one such church in this country every year, and they might do so, for their |
